SHAPING YOUNG MINDS

St. Thomas High School is a well-established college preparatory that provides a caring, intellectually challenging learning atmosphere in which young men develop the tools necessary to become successful in their future studies and careers. Our students are well prepared for an ever demanding and diverse world. Young alumni often tell us that the course content and workload in college is very manageable for them because they trained for academic rigor at St. Thomas.

To view our full course catalogue with all academic courses offered please click here.

English Department

The English department at St. Thomas is devoted to helping students become confident, critical thinkers who communicate effectively and who will be both willing and able to make a difference in the world.

Through their study of important literary works in the survey courses at St. Thomas, students are exposed to exceptional writing and are introduced to a wide variety of cultures and ideas to broaden their perspectives and foster understanding and empathy for others. As students think, speak, and write about literature, they develop the ability to confidently create and support rational, intellectually-informed arguments. As they study great books, our students wrestle with fundamental questions about the human experience, developing the critical thinking skills needed to become active and effective leaders.

Grade 9: English 1, Advanced English 1, and English 9 (all World Literature and Composition)

Grade 10: English 2 and Advanced English 2 (all World Literature and Composition)

Grade 11: English 3 (American Literature and Composition) and AP English Language

Grade 12: English 4 (British Literature and Composition) and AP English Literature

Electives: Speech, Forensics 1-4, Creative Writing, Contemporary Research and Writing, Publications, Graphic Novels, Introduction to Journalism, and Photojournalism

David Fritsch (B.S. Political Science and History, Spring Hill College; M.A. in English, National University; graduate studies, University of St. Thomas and University of Houston) is a graduate of St. Thomas High School who has taught at STH since 1998. In addition to his classroom duties, David serves as the assistant coach of the STH tennis team.

Judy Granberry (B.A. Plan II Honors, University of Texas at Austin; J.D., University of Houston Law Center; graduate studies, University of St. Thomas) started teaching at St. Thomas in 2008. Judy is Dean of the English Department, and she was 2016-2017 STH Teacher of the Year.

Nathan Hennessey (B.A. English Literature and History, Texas Tech University) joined St. Thomas High School in 2024. Prior to STH, Nathan taught English for 17 years at YES Prep Southeast, focusing on AP English Language, AP English Literature and AP Research, and served as an AP scorer for College Board. Nathan previously worked in Catholic youth ministry with NET Ministries, a nationwide retreat ministry based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Madison Lupardus (B.A. Classical Studies and Humanities, University of Texas at San Antonio) begins her first year at St. Thomas High School in 2023. Prior to joining STH, Madison taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English at Jubilee Highland Park in San Antonio where she worked with ELL students and struggling readers in order to help them succeed.

Timothy Macalino (B.A. English Education, M.Ed. Catholic Education Leadership, University of St. Thomas) begins his first year at St. Thomas High School in 2023. Prior to St. Thomas, Tim taught English at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory. Apart from his classroom responsibilities, he will serve as an assistant coach of the STH basketball team.

Claudia Mundell (B.A. English, St. Mary’s University; M.A. English, California State University of Long Beach; Principal Certification, University of St. Thomas) joined the St. Thomas faculty in 2014. Claudia represented St. Thomas at the Basilian Network for Education and the New Evangelization, and she currently serves on the STH Faith Formation Committee.

Jennifer M. Pearson, Ph.D. (B.A. Mass Communications, Louisiana State University; M.A.T. Education, Nicholls State University; Ph.D. Catholic Education Leadership and Policy Studies, Catholic University of America) started teaching at St. Thomas in 2015.

Robert Perkins (B.A. English and Religion, Dartmouth College; J.D. Tulane University) began teaching at St. Thomas High School in spring 2023. Prior to St. Thomas, Robert enjoyed a career in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate law while serving as general counsel to various international energy and infrastructure companies.

Pam Rameau (B.S. Curriculum and Instruction, Texas A & M University; M.Ed. Leadership and Technology with Principal Certification) joined the St. Thomas High School faculty in 2022. Prior to joining STH, she served in a number of administrative positions at Alexander-Smith Academy for over twenty years. Earlier in her teaching career she taught English in Spring Branch ISD, Katy ISD, and Houston Community College.